(Newser)
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In 2004, one in 10 American women under the age of 45 with cancer in one breast opted to have the second, healthy breast removed as well. Just eight years later, it had increased to one in three women, according to a study published Wednesday in JAMA Surgery. When looking at breast cancer patients of all ages in 2012, only 13% opted to have the healthy breast removed with the cancerous one; but that's still a major increase from 4.5% in 2004. The New York Times reports there's no evidence that removing a healthy breast will reduce a person's chances of dying from breast cancer in the future. In fact, the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Society of Breast Surgeons recommend against it. So, it's unclear why breast cancer patients are increasingly choosing to go that route.

Ahmedin Jemal, senior author of the study, tells CNN it may be for symmetry or because of the widespread coverage of Angelina Jolie's choice to have both breasts removed. Or maybe patients just don't believe doctors when they say removing a healthy breast doesn't significantly reduce their risk of developing breast cancer a second time. Jemal also says there was a "very striking"—and unexplained—geographical difference in the number of women choosing to have a healthy breast removed, Reuters reports. The highest rates were seen in five contiguous states in the Midwest; the lowest in Hawaii. (Meanwhile, a report found the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer could double by 2030.)

If you have one of the breast cancer genes, the likelihood of getting cancer in the other breasts skyrockets. Why have 2 surgeries, chemos etc... Also, if you are heavy-breasted, who wants to be that lopsided? And heavy breasts are a pain in the arse. My very petite and slender daughter has very big breasts, and her shoulders are deformed from the bra straps. She went to the surgeon to be evaluated for a reduction, and was told the insurance company would NOT OK the surgery unless a certain amount of tissue was removed---which would take her down to an "A" cup---and she is now a 32 DDD! I can see no reason for this rule, except to discourage women who need the surgery. When it is that hard to get a reduction, why not get a "two for one"?

Rhona_Redtail

Apr 1, 2017 6:48 AM CDT

I think symmetry would be a strong argument for it. If you choose not to have implants for whatever reason.

sydsinger

Mar 31, 2017 8:55 PM CDT

Of course, it's better to remove your bra instead of removing your health breasts, if you want to prevent breast cancer. I am a medical anthropologist breast cancer researcher and co-author of Dressed to Kill: the Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras. Numerous studies now show wearing tight bras is a leading cause of breast cancer, as well as causing breast cysts and pain. Red marks and indentations in the skin are signs of constriction, especially of the lymphatic system. This results in fluid and toxin accumulation. Bra-free women have about the same risk of breast cancer as men, while the tighter and longer the bra is worn the higher the risk rises. If only Angelina had removed her bra instead of her breasts! For more, including references to recent peer-reviewed supportive research, see my website BrasAndBreastCancer.org. And to see if your bra has been harming your breasts, just try a one month bra-free self study. Your body will know the difference.